Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Project.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

484 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department is approving an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Meath where a number of extra rooms are being built on to the existing premises and, as a result, the older part of the school is not up to the fire regulation standard; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that his Department is refusing to sanction extra finance to this school for the upgrading of the older part of the school to bring this into line with the new fire regulations and standards set down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government; the steps, if any, he proposes to take to rectify this situation in this school and in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16292/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The post-primary building unit of my Department has recently agreed to provide an all-in grant for permanent accommodation in lieu of prefabricated classrooms at the school referred to by the Deputy. In addition, the school authorities have been authorised to request their design team to prepare proposals for any necessary fire upgrading works in the existing building. When this documentation has been submitted it will be examined by the technical advisers in the building unit and a further letter will issue to the school authorities.

On the question of fire upgrading in schools, it is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of those schools to satisfy themselves that the buildings meet with the current standards.